I saw the next one in the series, it sounded good, but it haven't read this one, do you know if they have to be read in order, or are they stand alone?

I don't think so. Out of the two MCs mentioned in the blurb for the new one, only one was even mentioned in the first story
. I am about to start the 2nd book so I will let you know.

Great, thanks. I love my guinea pig friends. :))